Chhattisgarh – A Tribal Tourist Destination of India

Chhattisgarh is the 26th state of India. Earlier it was a part of Madhya Pradesh but is now an independent state. The state was formed on 1st November 2000, Raipur being the capital of the newly formed state. It is the tenth largest state of the Indian sub-continent. Chhattisgarh literally means thirty six forts, where Chhattis means “36” and Garh means “Forts”. Some say that “thirty six families of dalits (leather workers) emigrated southwards from Jarasandha’s kingdom and established themselves in country, which after them is called Chhattisgarh”. Some say that “Chhattisgarh is the corrupted form of ‘Chedisgarh’ or the political seat of the Chedis”. But historians still do not know the exact origin of the name “Chhattisgarh”. In ancient times the region was called Dakshin Kosala. The name Chhattisgarh was given by Maratha rulers and was first officially documented in 1795. The state is surrounded by Uttar Pradesh on the north, Orissa on the east, Maharashtra on the west, Andhra Pradesh on the south, Madhya Pradesh on the northwest and Jharkhand on the northeast. The state is blessed with natural beauty, virgin forests, rich cultural heritage and scenic hills. Chhattisgarh is a state spread over 135,194 km² of land, where only 20% of the population lives in the urban areas.

General information:

Chhattisgarh is the twenty sixth state of Indian sub-continent. The state was formed when sixteen Chhattisgarhi speaking districts of Madhya Pradesh got the statehood on 1st November 2000. Raipur is the state capital. Chhattisgarh offers a wide range of tourist attraction to its visitors. Apart from natural beauty one can enjoy historical Monuments, ancient Palaces, marvelous carved Temples, ancient Caves, rock Paintings, rare and endangered Wildlife, lush green virgin forests, exotic Waterfalls, enchanting hill Plateaus or unique Tribal Villages, Chhattisgarh has it all. Chhattisgarh is surrounded by hills on the north and south whereas the central part is full fertile land. The 44% of the total land is covered under of thick virgin forests. The state is made up largely on plateaus intersected by meandering rivers. The rich flora and fauna of the state makes it a home to various endangered species. The state has about 3 National Parks and 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries with a multitude of wildlife.

Climate:

The state’s climate is of a tropical type. The central region of India is way too hot in summers and so is the case with Chhattisgarh. The average temperature in summer varies from 40 – 43 degree centigrade, whereas in winters it falls. The summers in Chhattisgarh starts from April and may last till mid July. So, summer is definitely not a good time to visit Chhattisgarh. The state dry and hot wind blown in the area should be completely avoided. July and August are the monsoon months. This is the time when majority of the waterfalls comes alive and provide a picturesque views and you can expect a heavy rainfall in this region. In the month of September the temperature gradually decreases and the climate is pleasant. In the month of November winters start. The winters in this region is not chilling cold but is moderate cold. The temperature varies from 11 – 15 degree centigrade.

For those who enjoy monsoons and waterfalls the best time to visit would be August – October. Those who enjoy winters, for them the best time to visit would be October – January when the climate is moderately cold. Otherwise, best time to visit Chhattisgarh is October to March

How to reach?

The State Chhattisgarh attracts tourists across the world with its rich virgin forests, ancient monuments great rivers, fabulous waterfalls, ancient temples, caves and the tribal population. Chhattisgarh is located in the central part of India. The state is surrounded by land on all the sites. Thus you can reach here from any part of the Indian sub-continent. It is easily accessible and all means of transport are available.

By Air:

The state has a domestic airport, which is very well connected to almost all the major airports of the major cities in the country. Various carriers operate on regular basis to and from Raipur.

By Road:

Being a land locked state; Chhattisgarh has a very good network of road connecting all the cities of Chhattisgarh to rest of the major cities of India. The National Highways (NH) 6, 16 and 43 connect all the towns of Chhattisgarh to other parts of the country. There are various Public and Private Carriers operating to and fro from all the towns of Chhattisgarh.

By Rail:

There are two major Railway stations in Chhattisgarh, one at Raipur and the other at Bilaspur. These two railway stations connect Chhattisgarh to the major railway stations in India. Majority of the important trains connecting east and west India pass by Raipur as it is the middle point between Howrah and Mumbai.

Where to stay?

The stat Government is working very hard in order to promote tourism. For which the state’s infrastructure is also changing. There are various hotel schemes coming up. For now a good number of hotels are in the major cities of Chhattisgarh. Raipur, the capital of the state has various hotels well equipped with the latest amenities. It is convenient to stay in Raipur as the other attractions are not very far and are still in your reach. Other than these there are few Palaces converted into hotels in some parts of Chhattisgarh. Some are still the residence of the Royal Families of Chhattisgarh and only a part is opened for general public or tourist accommodation. They offer elegant hospitality and unusual glimpses of Indian royal heritage. Owing the smaller sizes, these hotels in Chhattisgarh ensure high quality service and exclusive stay.

What to see?

Chhattisgarh has so much to offer on a platter for a tourist. Historical Monuments, ancient Palaces, marvelous carved Temples, ancient Caves, rock Paintings, rare and endangered Wildlife, lush green virgin forests, exotic Waterfalls, enchanting hill Plateaus or unique Tribal Villages, Chhattisgarh has it all. Holidaying in Chhattisgarh will be an exciting and rewarding experience for you and your family. The state is known for its Eco Tourism, Pilgrim tourism, Adventure Tourism, Business & leisure tourism, Tribal tourism, Culture, Heritage and Ethno Tourism.

Must see Attractions:

Kawardha

Chitrakoot Falls

Kanker

Bhoramdeo: Referred to as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh

Chamaparan

Bastar: The Tribal land.

Seorinarayan

Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Parks:

National Parks:

Indravati National Park

Kanger Ghati National Park

Guru Ghasidas national park

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Barnawapara Sanctuary

Sita Nadi Sanctuary

Udanti Sanctuary

Achanakmar Sanctuary

Gonarda Sanctuary

Badalkhol Sanctuary

Virgin Kurschel Valley Sanctuary

Bhairamgarh Sanctuary

Pameda Sanctuary

Bhoramdeo Sanctuary

Waterfalls:

Chitrakoot Waterfall

Teerthgarh Waterfall

Mandra Waterfall

Chitradhara Waterfall

Tamda Waterfall

Dhoomar Waterfall

Caves:

Kotamsar

Kailash

Arayak

Sakal Narayan

Tular

Rani

Makar

Kanak & Dongare

Dantewada

Keshkal Valley

Charama Valley

Shopping in Chhattisgarh:

We all love shopping, isn’t it? Shopping in Chhattisgarh is an exciting and delightful experience. The tribal population of the state is extremely skilled and creative. They specialize in various arts and crafts which are very popular not only in India but across the world. Shopping in Chhattisgarh is something you can not resist at all. You’ll tend to get enough of those art, craft, and handicraft items from this place.

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